How to create a more sustainable home

The smart tech making homes more sustainable

Advances in technology are also giving homeowners greater control over how they generate and use energy. According to government figures, 269,000 solar installations were completed in 2025, the highest annual total on record and 37% higher than the previous year. Uptake has been supported by incentives including a 0% VAT rate on qualifying domestic solar installations in Great Britain, available until 31 March 2027.

Homeowners can also benefit from selling surplus electricity back to the grid. Smart home technology offers another simple way to reduce energy consumption. Measures such as replacing traditional bulbs with smart LED lighting, installing passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors and fitting smart thermostatic radiator valves can all help homeowners use energy more efficiently while managing their homes remotely.

What green finance products are available?

As consumer priorities evolve, lenders are responding by offering products for those who want to make more environmentally friendly choices in their homes. “The green mortgage market has expanded rapidly in just a few years. There are now more than 90 products available from lenders, up from just four in 2019, according to the Green Finance Institute,” says Simon Gammon, Managing Partner of Knight Frank Finance.

 “Some offer lower rates on properties with EPC ratings between A and C, while others provide cashback or enhanced borrowing for homes with lower energy bills. The market continues to evolve, so it’s worth consulting a broker with access to the whole market to understand what options are available.”

Looking ahead, sustainability is set to become an even more important feature of the housing market. “With government policy continuing to encourage low-carbon alternatives, features such as air source heat pumps and solar panels are becoming more commonplace in new homes under the Future Homes Standard,” says Longton.

“There’s also a growing focus on embodied and operational carbon, which considers the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of building materials, construction and its day-to-day usage. The construction industry is placing a greater emphasis on circular economy principles including the re-use, recycling and responsible sourcing of materials, which are important factors in meeting net-zero targets.” “

Climate resilience will only become more important in the years ahead,” he adds. “It’s not just about meeting standards. It’s about helping people understand that even the simplest changes can make their homes more comfortable, efficient, and better prepared for the future.”